Tesla Semi Crash Sparks 16-Hour I-80 Closure: Battery Fire Challenges Firefighters
Tesla Semi Crash Causes Extended Highway Closure in California
A Tesla Semi truck crashed and caught fire off Interstate 80 in California early Thursday morning, leading to extensive road closures that lasted nearly 16 hours. The incident occurred near the Nevada border, prompting a significant response from emergency services.
Cal Fire crews arrived at the crash site shortly after 3 AM local time to find the electric vehicle engulfed in flames. Firefighters faced a challenging task as they worked to cool the truck’s lithium-ion battery pack, using thousands of gallons of water to bring the temperature down to a safer level of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The battery cooling operation continued throughout the day, with crews finally achieving the target temperature around 4 PM. Following this, efforts began to move the damaged Semi to Tesla’s Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada.
The crash caused major disruptions to traffic flow on I-80. Westbound lanes reopened after more than 13 hours, while eastbound lanes remained closed for an extended period. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) provided regular updates on traffic diversions and alternate routes to assist travelers affected by the closure.
According to authorities, the driver of the Semi managed to walk away from the crash but was subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation. The cause of the incident is under investigation, with officials considering various factors, including the possibility of driver fatigue. It was noted that the Semi was not pulling a trailer at the time of the crash, and the fire was confined to the vehicle’s batteries.
This incident is not the first involving Tesla batteries in California. In 2022, a similar fire occurred involving Tesla’s Megawatt energy storage batteries, highlighting the ongoing challenges associated with electric vehicle technology.
Throughout the day, KCRA 3 News and the CHP utilized social media platforms to inform the public about the situation, providing updates on road closures and recommending alternative routes for commuters.
The highway reopened after 7 PM, ending the extended closure caused by this significant electric vehicle incident.
